Interview: A closer look at our Ukrainian partner, UCAT-3D
In our efforts to reach those who could benefit most from our technology, we are partnering with Ukrainian Construction Additive Technologies (UCAT-3D), a company focused on supplying 3D printers and construction additives in Ukraine.
UCAT-3D has positioned itself as an innovative leader in the construction field, bringing the world's additive manufacturing technology to his country . UCAT-3D is a trusted partner of Constructions-3D. As such we have reached out to its CEO Dmytrii Korytko, and he shares with us the vision and contribution of his company in revolutionizing 3D construction technologies in Ukraine.
Has UCAT already started implementing 3D concrete printing in any reconstruction projects in Ukraine? If so, could you share examples of these projects and the results so far?
Yes, UCAT-3D has begun implementing 3D concrete printing in several reconstruction projects across Ukraine. Given the severe shortage of labor and the urgent need to rebuild both damaged and new structures, 3D concrete printing has proven to be a highly effective solution. This technology is not only crucial for immediate reconstruction efforts but also for the post-war rebuilding phase. Statistics show that over 250,000 private homes have been destroyed in the territories controlled by Ukraine, highlighting the immense scale of the reconstruction challenge.
One of our flagship projects is Betonix, the first modular house printed using a 3D printer. This project is being realized in the village of Mykulichi near Kyiv. The house will cover an area of 85 square meters and is being developed in collaboration with research institutions and various partners. This will be one of the ready-made standard projects that we will offer to the market. We plan to complete the printing of this house by May 1, 2025.
Our partners in this project include the Scientific and Technical Center of the Academy of Construction of Ukraine, the Confederation of Builders of Ukraine, 3D-Kvanter, the "Rebuilding Ukraine" charitable foundation, and companies such as Henkel, Romstal, Rehau, Modern World, Viant, and Pavlik-M, among others. This collaborative effort underscores the potential of 3D concrete printing to revolutionize the construction industry in Ukraine, making it more sustainable, efficient, and resilient.
What kind of feedback have you received from local authorities, construction professionals, and affected communities about the use of 3D printing in construction?
The feedback from local authorities, construction professionals, and the scientific community has been overwhelmingly positive. They are very interested in the implementation of innovative construction methods that allow for fast and high-quality building. However, a significant barrier to the rapid development of 3D concrete printing technology is the stringent regulation of construction by Ukrainian legal and regulatory frameworks. Currently, there are no specific regulations for 3D concrete printing in the state construction norms.
We are actively working to establish an official regulatory framework for 3D concrete printing in Ukraine. This is a costly endeavor, and it is challenging to manage on our own. Therefore, we are seeking funding, grant programs, investors, and other interested parties to help us realize this goal. Establishing these regulations will pave the way for broader adoption of 3D printing technology in construction, ultimately benefiting the entire industry and the communities we aim to rebuild.
What does the partnership between UCAT and Constructions 3D mean for Ukraine’s reconstruction efforts? How do you envision this collaboration evolving in the coming years?
The partnership between UCAT and Constructions 3D is a significant milestone for Ukraine's reconstruction efforts. This collaboration brings together advanced 3D concrete printing technology and local expertise, enabling us to build faster, more efficiently, and with higher quality. It addresses the urgent need for rebuilding infrastructure and housing, especially given the severe labor shortages and the extensive damage caused by the war.
In the coming years, we envision this collaboration evolving to include more comprehensive projects and innovations. We aim to expand the use of 3D printing technology across various sectors, from residential buildings to critical infrastructure like bridges and emergency shelters. Additionally, this technology can be effectively utilized in the defense sector, for constructing shelters and bunkers, providing rapid and robust solutions in conflict zones.
By working closely with Constructions 3D, we plan to develop new materials and techniques tailored to Ukraine's specific needs and conditions. Moreover, we are committed to establishing a robust regulatory framework for 3D concrete printing in Ukraine. This will involve continuous collaboration with government bodies, research institutions, and industry partners to ensure that the technology is integrated smoothly and effectively into the construction sector.
"Our ultimate goal is to set a new standard for sustainable and resilient building practices in Ukraine, paving the way for a brighter, more secure future."